Racing strike set for 10 September over betting tax plans as BGC raises concerns
All four fixtures cancelled in protest against Treasury proposals to align betting duties.
Key points:
– British racing to stage one-day strike in response to proposed Remote Betting and Gaming Duty
– BHA warns of £66m annual loss if horseracing betting taxed at 21%
– BGC questions fixture rescheduling, warning of damage to punters and funding
British racing is to stage a coordinated one-day strike on Wednesday, 10 September, with four fixtures cancelled in protest at Treasury plans to reform gambling tax duties.
Races at Carlisle, Lingfield, Uttoxeter and Kempton will not take place after the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and racecourse owners agreed to a temporary blackout.
The decision is expected to cost the sport about £200,000 ($271,028) in lost income on the day and has been described as an unprecedented move in the modern era.
The protest follows concerns that a new Remote Betting and Gaming Duty could align betting on horseracing with the higher 21% rate levied on casino and slots. At present, sports betting is taxed at 15%.
The BHA has argued that higher rates would significantly reduce funding for the industry, which it says supports 85,000 jobs nationwide.
Research commissioned on its behalf suggested a 21% tax could reduce annual income by £66m, with projections of a £97m loss at 25% and up to £160m if aligned with a 40% rate.
Good to know: The protest will take place the day before the Betfred St Leger Festival begins at Doncaster, one of the sport’s most high-profile meetings
Jim Mullen, Jockey Club CEO, said: “The sport has come together today and by cancelling racing fixtures, we hope the government will take a moment to reflect on the harm this tax will cause.”
Arena Racing Company Chief Executive Martin Cruddace added: “We have always been taxed and regulated differently and it is imperative for our future that we continue to be so.”
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) criticised the move, warning that rescheduling fixtures without consulting operators could antagonise government while frustrating punters.
The BGC said: “Futile political gestures will only antagonise the Government… and risk driving customers to the unsafe, unregulated black market.”
The BGC represents around 90% of the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK, which it says contributes £6.8bn to the economy, generates £4bn in tax revenues and provides £350m annually to racing.
In June 2025, the BGC welcomed online betting platform CopyBet as its newest member, continuing its expansion as the main industry trade body representing operators in the UK.
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